Heading into the IPL 2026, several teams are dealing with major setbacks as key players have been ruled out of part or all of the tournament due to injuries and workload concerns. A packed T20 calendar, including the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and multiple franchise leagues, has taken a toll on players, leaving franchises to manage fitness issues ahead of the season.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders have been hit hard in their bowling department. Akash Deep has been ruled out due to a lower-back stress injury, while Harshit Rana is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season following knee surgery. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana will only be available from mid-April after recovering from a calf strain sustained during the World Cup.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, captain Pat Cummins is currently recovering from a lumbar stress injury and is likely to return midway through the tournament. Jack Edwards has been ruled out of the entire season due to a foot injury.

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals will miss Sam Curran, who is out for the full season with a suspected groin injury following his international commitments. Josh Hazlewood is also set to miss the initial matches as he continues recovery from hamstring and Achilles issues that sidelined him during The Ashes.

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings have lost Nathan Ellis, who aggravated a previous hamstring injury during a domestic final, ruling him out of the tournament.

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals may have to wait for Mitchell Starc, whose participation will depend on workload management monitored by Cricket Australia amid a busy international schedule.

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings will be without Lockie Ferguson in the early stages of the tournament. While fully fit, he has opted to spend time with his family following the birth of his child.